Large group: Aquathlon
Associated sport: Triathlon
Indoor-friendly: No
Pool-friendly: Yes
Game description
Players complete a mini aquathlon race by participating in a swim and run leg of a triathlon.
What you need (setting up)
- Pool or safe open water.
- 10 x cones, markers, buoys or lane ropes to define the playing area.
- 1 x goggles, swimsuit and running shoes per player.
- 4 - 5 x obstacles, e.g. low benches, rope ladder, empty containers, boxes.
- 1 x stopwatch.
What to do
- Players complete a swim leg of 25 metres, then a run leg of 200–300 metres around the pool grounds using an obstacle course.
- Time races and record results.

Scoring
- No scoring is an option.
- Participants try to beat their own time on their second go.
Change it
- Swimming station could include:
-
- straight swimming;
- pool slides;
- kick boards – each team/player must kick around a set point while balancing a tennis ball (or similar) on their kick board;
- noodle rides – a member of each team must ferry other members, 1 by 1, across the pool.
- Running stations could include:
-
- straight running;
- objects to go over, under, down and around, e.g. playground slide (if available), agility ladders, mini hurdles, benches, bins, tables; slalom running through marker cones; jumping with 2 legs over noodles.
- Alter distances depending on the ability level of the participants.
- Run as a solo event or team event.
- The entire group must complete each activity before the whole group moves to the next station.
Safety
- Water depth should be suitable for the ability level of all participants.
- Ensure participants hydrate well during or after each activity.
- Allow adequate spacing between the older and younger participants.
- Ensure supervision is provided.
Ask the players
- What strategy could you use to finish the course in your best time?
- If working in teams, how can you work together to get the best result for your team?


